Lee Seizes 1st-Ever Lead Vs. Krush

IM Alice Lee captured the lead vs. GM Irina Krush for the first time in a match in the Grand Final of the 2024 American Cup. GMs Levon Aronian and Wesley So had a peaceful day, making two draws and leaving the fate of their match entirely on tomorrow. 

The American Cup Grand Final continues on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 2:20 p.m. ET/19:20 CET/11:50 p.m. IST.

Grand Final:

• Open: The Calm Before The Storm
• Women: Lee Strikes First

Open: The Calm Before The Storm

In the classical game, So and Aronian seemed eager to get to the faster time control, heading into a quick Berlin draw.

Playing Black in the rapid, So displayed much more ambitious intentions, unleashing a Sicilian. As commentator GM Cristian Chirila added: "It's been a long time since I've seen Wesley play a Sicilian... or anything other than touch the e-pawn."

Aronian offered his perspective on his side of the opening: "This is a line that I employ occasionally, not a particularly great line for White, just to get a fight. He surprised me a bit with ...a6, ...Qc7."

In the early middlegame, Aronian opted for a slew of exchanges that led to a bishop and knight vs. rook ending. He pressed for many moves but wasn't able to generate winning chances, even when So made an inaccuracy. As the 30-year-old grandmaster explained: "I blundered with 34...Re4, but fortunately it's still a draw because all I need to do is hunt his knight down."

In his interview, So shared his feelings on the event so far:

I'm still alive. I won't have rated my chances very high four days ago because I had to win three matches in a row, and especially I had to go through Fabi, who's very tough, and also Ray, who's in good form. But I still have chances in the tournament. I will fight and give my best.

I will fight and give my best.

―Wesley So

Though the day ends with a peaceful result, one way or another, the tie must be broken on Wednesday as the players vie for to be the last player standing. 

Women's: Lee Strikes First

Hoping to generate winning chances in the classical game, Krush opted for a rare line with positional nuances to explore as White. Chirila shared the idea behind her strategy:

This is exactly how Irina usually defeats her younger opponents: She gives her a simple―at least at first sight―position where she knows how to play and how to maneuver just simply on a different level.

In the rapid round, Lee handled the white pieces with a newfound confidence, gaining a small yet comfortable edge from the opening and pressing the whole game. Though the players reached an even queen and bishop ending, Lee continued to believe in her position, making steady progress by combining strategy with dynamics. 

As the players reached time trouble, Krush made an inaccuracy, and Lee capitalized without hesitation. Her critical victory is our Game of the Day. Enjoy the following analysis by GM Rafael Leitao below.

Afterward, Lee shared: "I think the first day went pretty well. I was able to survive the classical game with Black, and of course, this game went pretty well. But it's not easy, and there are still two more games tomorrow."

Lee has taken the lead in a match vs. Krush for first time ever in any of their six American Cup matches. How will the reigning champion try to strike back tomorrow to retain her crown?

The 2024 American Cup is an over-the-board tournament in St. Louis featuring some of the strongest players in the United States. Split into Open and Women's sections, the players will compete in a double-elimination knockout bracket while contesting for their share of the $400,000 prize fund. 

Previous Coverage:

• So, Lee Rise to Grand Finals
• Aronian, Krush Triumph In Champions Bracket
• Aronian Sweeps, Krush Leads, Comebacks For Caruana, So, Yu
• The Finals Are Set: Aronian vs. Robson, 5x Krush vs. Lee
• Krush, Lee Storm To 2-0; Eliminations Begin
• Veterans Laugh Last: Aronian Wins Blitz Playoffs, Krush Recovers In Women's
• Caruana, Lee, Tokhirjonova, Paikidze Start With Double Wins
• Caruana, So, Krush, And Lee Headline 2024 American Cup